Independent testing is meant to be impartial; but how independent is it, really?

In an industry where vendors pay for tests, influence test scopes, and use results for marketing, questions about bias and transparency are not just valid, they're necessary. This roundtable invites open discussion on one of the most sensitive topics in the testing ecosystem: the hidden dynamics that shape what gets tested, how it’s tested, and which results get highlighted (or buried).

We’ll explore:
• Should vendors have any say in what gets tested?
• What happens when testers rely financially on the companies they’re evaluating?
• Do transparency declarations and methodologies go far enough, or are they just window dressing?
• Can AMTSO or other bodies enforce standards for independence and disclosure?

We’ll also ask whether existing transparency efforts are enough to build trust with consumers, media, and regulators, or if it’s time to raise the bar.

This isn’t about finger-pointing. It’s about recognizing where the system falls short and asking: can we afford to keep pretending everything is fine?

Whether you’re a tester, vendor, or observer of the industry, this is your chance to join a long-overdue conversation.